BURNING as in skin color changes, dark spots like freckles and melasma, and sunburn caused by UVB rays.

CANCER

To prevent these, we usually slather on our favorite sun blocks and sun protection creams. But the question is, are you really getting the protection you need? Here are some reasons why your sunscreen’s probably not working for you:

You are not putting on sunscreen during cool or cloudy days.It’s a common notion that when the sun’s not out, the sunscreen’s not that needed as well. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “the sun emits harmful rays all year-round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin” Therefore, rain or shine, this is a must!

You are not reapplying.In order for sunscreen to be effective, it has to be reapplied every two hours and immediately following swimming, exercise, or excessive sweating.
This might be such a fuss, but it’s definitely necessary.

You are relying on your makeup’s sunscreen protection
While there are a lot of cosmetic products promising sunscreen qualities that come with them, always remember that it is still not enough. In order for us to achieve and maximize that sunscreen, we need to apply ample amounts, as in the size of about a 25 centavo coin and re-apply them as well. The problems are for one, a lot of people don’t really put that much foundation, and two, we don’t really re-apply THAT much foundation every two hours. Yes we all love multi-purpose products but in this case, it’s still best to put your moisturizer with SPF first, before applying your makeup on top.

Products we know you’ll love

For the face, we recommend L’Opulent Lueur (SPF 30) It has matte, powdery finish that’s perfect for all skin types especially those with oily skin. Apply this as base to ensure your face and neck is protected before applying your favorite foundation and setting it with powder. Since it instantly brightens up your face as well, you may opt to leave it as it is, perfect for days when you don’t feel like wearing foundation.

For the body, “Shade, clothing and hats provide the best protection – applying sunscreen becomes necessary on those parts of the body that remain exposed” says AAD.

For everyday use, we recommend L’opulent Blanc Parfait Lightening Lotion. Not only that it has SPF 40, but it also lightens your skin immediately upon application – just like a foundation. It’s water-based so it’s non-sticky and re-applying wouldn’t be such a hassle. It also has lightening ingredients that can help you achieve fairer skin with continued use.

Whether your sunscreen is expensive, or has high SPF, or even has a lot of benefits, you want to make sure that it’s really doing the job. It’s not just a matter of what product you use, but also HOW you use it that counts.